Liskeard and District Museum

The Caradon mining area is a magnet for industrial heritage enthusiasts. The remains of engine houses on the south eastern edge of Bodmin Moor tell of 19th century mines producing copper, tin and other minerals. They circle the dramatic Cheesewring quarry which eats into the dark grey granite of Stowes Hill.From here the trail of the Liskeard & Caradon Railway can be followed for much of its route to Moorswater from where first a canal and later a railway carried the copper ore and stone to Looe for transportation by sea.

This story is told at the museum with maps, models, pictures and artefacts. You can get up close to the rocks that caused all the fuss with our superb geological display. The museum is in Victorian savings bank built when times were good.

We also show the bad times when many families broke up and went to the workhouse or emigrated.

Our displays cover local history from Mesolithic settlers to the 19th Century. Some fascinating characters have links to Liskeard. From a civil war helmet, to an architect’s spirit level and a photographic studio, the bits they left behind reflect how great events were played out in a Cornish Borough.

Additional info

There is wheelchair access to all floors.We provide a memory box loans service, outreach and memory sessions in the museum.In the school holidays we run children's craft sessions and there are quizzes and drawing paper in the galleries for all visitors.

Our objects were found and or made in South East Cornwall. They tell the story of human occupation from neolithic flints to electric razors. Geology, Mining, Agriculture and Manufacturing are represented in the displays and handling collections.The Museum houses a large archive of postcards, photographs and documents which can be consulted by researchers.

Collection details

Events details are listed below. You may need to scroll down or click on headers to see them all. For events that don't have a specific date see the 'Resources' tab above.

Lecture, talk or reading

Local History Talk 2: Past and Present Scenes of Liskeard

12 October 2017 7:30-8:30pm

Bringing History to Life: Past and present scenes and tales of Lower and Higher Lux Street, Lux Cross and Greenbank Road. This is part of a part of the Tin, Toys and Tales exhibition.

Suitable for

Any age

Admission

Free (but donations gratefully received)

Workshop, club or activity

Me and My Favourite Toy

26 — 28 October 2017

Do you have a favourite toy? Would you like to come along to the museum and have your photograph tatken with them?, Tell us the story behind your toy and help us build our museum archive of local history. Open to young and old. This event s part of our Tin Toys and Tales exhibition.

Suitable for

Any age

Admission

Free

Resources listed here may include websites, bookable tours and workshops, books, loan boxes and more. You may need to scroll down or click on headers to see them all.

Resources

Schools Loans Boxes

Eight new boxes provided by the Heritage Lottery Funded Caradon Hill Area Heritage Project.Each Box contains handling objects, documents and teachers notes. Some have dressing up clothes and time lines. The topics cover prehistory, mediaeval Liskeard,Civil War Liskeard, Victorian Social Life, World War II, Significant local people, Cornish Mining and Geology.Can be used as teaching aids for History, English, Art, Drama Geography and Geology: Key stages 1,2 and 3.

How to obtain

Contact us on enquiries@liskeardmuseum.org

Boxes, objects and other kit

Victorian Liskeard

Dressing -up clothes and a handling collection. Experience life for rich and poor in C19th Liskeard. Suitable for museum visits or loan boxes.

Creator

Liskeard & District Museum

How to obtain

Telephone or e-mail the museum and discuss with Curator or Education Officer.Loan boxes can be collected from the museum. The period of loan can be negotiated. School and group visits can enjoy a wide experience of domestic and workplace artefacts.

Boxes, objects and other kit

World War II Loan Box

A selection of original and reproduction documents and artefacts which can be borrowed from the museum.

Creator

Liskeard & District Museum

How to obtain

telephone or e-mail to ask for a list of objects. Borrowers must collect the boxes in person and sign the loan form. The period of the loan is negotiable.

Website

E-mail

Telephone

01579 346087

All information is drawn from or provided by the venues themselves and every effort is made to ensure it is correct. Please remember to double check opening hours with the venue concerned before making a special visit.